Paddington, Brisbane

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I am embarrassed to admit that after ten years of living in Brisbane, today was the first occasion I spent some time enjoying the Paddington Precinct. Yes I have driven through there at times always en route to a meeting, alas too busy to stop. Usually we go into the city for breakfast or a coffee but this morning we ventured from the usual beaten track and I am so glad we did.



The first day of winter dawned sunny and warm and was most pleasantly spent wandering around Paddington sampling delicious food from its cafes and window-shopping.

La Trobe Terrace (starts as Given Terrace) is virtually one long strip of coffee shops, boutiques and restaurants that rises delightfully over a hill affording splendid views of the city. Both sides of the leafy street are lined with charming shops and retail establishments in a range of cottagey, vintage, period and classic Queenslander architectural styles.



It reminded me a little of Berri in NSW (North of Nowra, South of Sydney) where vintage, antiques, art and crafts and gourmet food merge into a wonderful colourful vignette - full of personality and a joy to visit.

Both my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the morning, he is keen to go back and look at the hardware shop that had old wares not seen anywhere else which unfortunately was not open on a Sunday.

Even the local Vinnies is presented in the gorgeous character of Paddington- housed in the renovated, heritage listed former Order Of The Foresters building (constructed in 1888. designed by architect AB Wilson and built by Walter Taylor).



No ordinary op-shop, this one is full of quirky appeal that only something that 'old' can offer. I especially loved the creaking stairs and the goods on sale were of high quality and interest.

Our morning in honestly felt like a holiday, like we had stepped from Brissy into another exotic location. Our spend for the morning: $38 - cheapest mini break there is by my reckoning. I can't believe the amount of unique surprises Brisbane still holds even for those of us who call it home.



Paddington is only a few minutes West of the Brisbane city CBD (coming in from the South get on Hale St bypass momentarily and keep left at Milton Road). #BrisbaneCafes, #BrisbaneVintage, #whattodoontheweekendbrisbane

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